Hong Kong authorities confirmed on Friday that rescue operations at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po have ended, with the death toll from the city’s worst fire in nearly 80 years rising to 128 and around 200 people still unaccounted for.
The blaze, which began Wednesday afternoon, tore through seven of the estate’s eight 32-storey towers. Security Chief Chris Tang said fire alarms had not been functioning properly and warned that more bodies could be found once police begin detailed investigations inside the charred buildings.
At least 79 people, including 12 firefighters, were injured. The estate, home to more than 4,600 residents, had been wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and green mesh for renovation work.
Grief and Anguish Among Residents
On Friday, mourners laid flowers outside the smouldering complex as displaced residents surveyed the ruins. “This is my home … when I look in that direction, my heart feels so heavy,” said Miss Yu, pointing to the remains of her 10th-floor apartment.
Families faced the grim task of identifying victims from photographs taken by rescue workers. Only 39 of the dead have been identified so far. “It’s just too sorrowful. When it involves people you know, it’s even more painful,” said one resident, whose friend’s wife is missing.
Volunteers Mobilise
Hundreds of volunteers have set up aid stations near the complex, distributing food, diapers, and other essentials in round-the-clock shifts. “This is real civil participation,” said Helena, a 22-year-old volunteer coordinator.
Safety Concerns and Arrests
The fire has drawn comparisons to London’s Grenfell Tower disaster in 2017. Residents had repeatedly warned authorities about fire hazards linked to renovation works, including the flammability of the green mesh covering bamboo scaffolding.
Police have arrested two directors and an engineering consultant of Prestige Construction, the firm responsible for maintenance at Wang Fuk Court, on suspicion of manslaughter. Investigators allege unsafe materials—including flammable foam boards blocking windows—were used.
The city’s development bureau is now considering replacing bamboo scaffolding with metal alternatives.
Migrant Workers Among Victims
Dozens of domestic workers were caught in the blaze. Nineteen Filipinos remain missing, while Indonesia’s consulate confirmed two of its nationals were among the dead. Hong Kong is home to nearly 368,000 domestic workers, mostly women from low-income Asian countries.
Government Response
Chief Executive John Lee announced a HK$300 million ($39 million) relief fund for survivors. Several major Chinese companies have pledged donations.
The tragedy, Hong Kong’s deadliest since a 1948 warehouse fire that killed 176, has raised questions about safety standards and could fuel public resentment toward authorities in one of the world’s most densely populated cities. Both Hong Kong’s leadership and Beijing have moved quickly to stress their commitment to addressing the disaster, which is seen as a test of political control in the semi-autonomous region.